By Liam Cook

Fresh off a win against his old Souths’ teammates, GPS’ new addition has flourished as a key part of his team’s recent form revival.

Two premier grade season’s with the Magpies and a stint with the Southland Staggs in New Zealand precipitated a new beginning at Yoku Road.

“I wanted a fresh start, so I made the decision to come home for the QPR season and try apply the extra trades I’d learnt over in New Zealand,” Morrison told Rugby News.

Keeping a watchful eye on GPS in his years as a Magpie, as well as a conversation with coach Shane Arnold, was enough to lure the clever No.9.

“I thought it would best suit my game if I moved to a club with that coaching level and the standards they’ve set over the years with a really good foundation.

“Playing before in the competition, I thought their forward pack would really complement my game and now I feel that we’re starting to gel.”

Morrison has enjoyed an instant sense of comradery with his new teammates.

A pre-season trip to Fiji helped galvanise the group ahead of the 2023 campaign, allowing the new recruit to build rapport on and off the field.

“We had that trip over to Fiji before the season started which was really beneficial for the boys to get to know each other on tour.

“Outside of footy they’re all really great blokes, which is not rare but it’s really nice to be in an environment where everyone’s like a good mate.”

While that cohesion didn’t materialize in the opening rounds of the season, GPS and Morrison have gradually recaptured their synergy of late.

Five wins and one loss in their most recent contests reflects the threat posed by the Gallopers when they are playing freely, according to the scrumhalf.

“As a team we started pretty slow. A lot of the boys, including myself, were in our shell a bit.

“There was talk we were a bit tired coming back from Fiji, but I feel like myself and the boys are starting to play some decent footy now so hopefully we keep going in that trajectory.”

That decent footy most recently came to fruition against Souths during round 12.

Securing bragging rights over his old club, Morrison was crucial in lifting his teammates to a win that places them on the brink of fourth position.

Despite the fiercely fought victory, the ex-Magpie was brimming with mixed emotions about the result, especially his match sealing try.

“To be honest, it was pretty bittersweet because I’ve got a lot of love for Souths and all the boys there.

“There was a bit of chirp and niggle throughout the game, little comments said throughout in the heat of the moment from both parties.

“It was an unreal scoring the dagger at the end but always will love Souths and I’ve friends there who I’ll be friends with for the rest of my life.”

New connections are now being forged for the son of former New Zealand test cricketer, Danny Morrison.

Yoku Road’s key playmaking stocks are in capable, young hands that are now beginning to develop attacking styles of play alongside each other.

“Having ‘Bassy’ Ward come into that ten jersey has been great; our games are really similar and we like a running style of rugby so I feel like I’ve gelled really well with him.

“I’m really enjoying our spine connection with nine, ten and fifteen with Floyd Aubrey out the back as well.”

Now three years and two clubs into his promising premier grade career, Morrison is approaching his football with the utmost confidence.

While ambitions of Super Rugby burn brightly, the cunning, creative halfback is all in on lifting some silverware in the first season at his new home.

“I came to GPS wanting to win, obviously we want to win this competition and every team does.

“Right now, I’m really focused on trying to be the best I can be and wherever that takes me I’d be happy.

“At the end of the night I want to put my head on the pillow and know I gave it all I had.”